As 2020 draws to a close, we remember the life and work of five classical artists who died this past year, each, in his or her own way, dedicated to the performance and diffusion of early music: violinist Jaap Schröder, pianist Peter Serkin, harpsichordist Kenneth Gilbert, guitarist Julian Bream, and soprano Erin Wall. We laud them tonight and say Ave atque vale — hail and farewell, with this modest appreciation of their artistry and contributions to the world of early music.
Recordings used in tonight’s program come from WFMT’s Richard and Mary L. Gray Music Library.
Playlist
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Violin Concerto No. 1 in a minor, BWV 1041
Jaap Schröder, violin; Academy of Ancient Music; Chistopher Hogwood, conductor
L’Oiseau Lyre 443326-2
Johann Sebastian Bach
Concerto No. 1 in c minor for Two Keyboards, BWV 1060
Peter Serkin and András Schiff, pianos; Camerata Bern; Thomas Füri, conductor
London 4782363
Johann Sebastian Bach
“Italian” Concerto in F, BWV 971
Kenneth Gilbert, harpsichord
Harmonia Mundi HMX 2951278
Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767)
Partie polonaise (Polish Partita)
Julian Bream and John Williams, guitars
RCA 61452-2
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
“I Know that My Redeemer Liveth” from Messiah
Erin Wall, soprano; Toronto Symphony Orchestra; Andrew Davis, conductor
Chandos CHSA 5176
